I was looking at a '16 F150 at a local dealership. I would prefer a truck with the lockable rear end. All the trucks I've seen have the 2H, 4H, 4L and the pull to lock on the ****. The truck I saw yesterday had 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4L, but no pull to lock. I had that selector on our expedition but have never seen it on an F150. Does anyone know if the 4A setting does? Does it switch the power around to find traction like an Audi AWD system does or is just leaving the front hubs locked and transferring power to the front if the rear slips?

 

The 4A is the auto transfercase as found in lariat and above trucks. It leaves the front IWE's locked and uses a clutch in the t case to transmit power front and rear as the ABS module and PCM requires. The locking diff is a different option and not part of it.

 

Thanks gashog

 

1. So, pardon my ignorance, but what are the goals/advantages of the different settings?
2. Should I just use the 2 wheel drive setting during normal city driving?
3. What does the 4A setting improve? (I assume it's an improvement)

thanks,

matt

 

found it.

2H (4X2)

For general on-road driving, this mode provides optimal smoothness and fuel economy at high speeds. Sends power to the rear wheels only.

4A (4X4 AUTO)

Provides electronic controlled four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear wheels, as required, for increased traction. 4A tuning varies based on selected Drive Mode See Drive Control (page 269). . 4A in Normal and Sport is appropriate for all on-road driving conditions, including, dry road surfaces. 4A in Snow/Wet is appropriate for slippery on-road conditions such as snow and ice covered roads.

4H (4X4 HIGH)

Provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use in off-road or winter conditions such as deep snow, sand or mud. This mode is not for use on dry pavement.

4L (4X4 LOW)

Provides electronically or mechanically locked four-wheel drive power to both the front and rear wheels for use on low traction surfaces, but does so with additional gearing for increased torque multiplication. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4X4 low) should not engage while your vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 low) for proper operation.

 

Rain 4A keeps the front diff on notice if the PCM detects slippage from the ABS module. When it see's one wheel begin to slip or lock it will automaticly engage either the 4WD or apply braking to the spinning wheel. Alot of programming and comunication goes into these new trucks. On a nice dry day use 2 wheel, best economy and handling when you know you need 4WD like snow and ice or off road then it's time to move it into 4WD. I like the auto 4X4 and let the computers do there job, they can see trouble before you can, period.

 

Great, Thanks!

 

What David 7.3 said!